Oct 13 at 8pm, Oct 14 at 8pm, & Oct 15 at 3pm
Emmanuel Resche-Caserta, French-Italian guest director & violin soloist
includes Tafelmusik’s premiere performances of music by two 17th-century women composers
September 8, 2023 … Known for his “remarkable direction coupled with superb violin playing, ease, and virtuosity,” violinist Emmanuel Resche-Caserta, the French-Italian concertmaster of Les Arts Florissants, makes his Tafelmusik debut as guest director and soloist with Vive la différence. These concerts take place on Oct 13 at 8pm, Oct 14 at 8pm, and Oct 15 at 3pm at Jeanne Lamon Hall, Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre. Tickets are available at tafelmusik.org.
Vive la différence is inspired by the rivalry between the distinct French and Italian baroque styles, with music by Lully, Corelli, Muffat, and Couperin. The dynamic energy and virtuosity of Corelli’s concertos vie with the elegance and simplicity of Lully’s dance music. Couperin and Muffat express their admiration for both in works that unite the two styles in “les goûts réunis.”
A special feature of Vive la différence is in the inclusion of works by two extraordinary women composers whose talent caught the attention of Louis XIV: the Italian pioneer Antonia Bembo, who developed a singular musical language during her exile in France, and the French harpsichordist and composer Élisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre, a remarkably successful composer whose works were renowned throughout France.
Emmanuel Resche-Caserta’s own musical formation is a synthesis of French and Italian baroque approaches. “For centuries, French violinists were mainly the accompaniment for dancing, and they only began to write special sonatas for the violin at the end of the 17th century,” says Resche-Caserta. “In Italy, the violin was used to express emotions as early as the 1640s, which led to more virtuoso performances with ornamentation. My teacher in Paris taught me the ‘grammar’ of baroque music, but in Palermo, I learned about the phrasing and the quality of the sound.”
Co-Artistic Director Cristina Zacharias says, “We can’t wait to work with Emmanuel Resche-Caserta on this program and are especially excited to explore the music of Antonia Bembo and Élisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre with him. We look forward to sharing the artistry of these exceptional baroque women composers with our audiences.”
LISTING INFORMATION:
Vive la différence: Lully and Corelli
with Emmanuel Resche-Caserta, guest director and violin soloist
Oct 13 at 8pm, Oct 14 at 8pm, & Oct 15 at 3pm
Jeanne Lamon Hall, Trinity-St. Paul’s Centre
Tickets start at $30 for the Oct 13 & 15 concerts, and $42 for Oct 14 concert. Available at tafelmusik.org.
Website: tafelmusik.org
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Tafelmusik gratefully acknowledges the support of our government partners, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
ABOUT EMMANUEL RESCHE-CASERTA
The Franco-Italian baroque violinist Emmanuel Resche-Caserta has been concertmaster of Les Arts Florissants since 2017. He regularly leads various ensembles in France, Spain, and Belgium, and was appointed baroque violin instructor at the Amsterdam Conservatory in 2022.
After completing studies in Italy, France, Spain, and the US, Emmanuel created his own ensemble, Exit, with whom he has recorded for the Passacaille label. His first solo recording, Il Sud, is dedicated to violin music from Southern Italy in the 17th century. His second recording focuses on a 1686 outdoor concert given by Corelli in Rome in honour of Louis XIV with a massive orchestra. Trionfo Romano was recorded at the Château de Versailles and was also recreated live at the French Embassy (Palazzo Farnese) in Rome. This year sees him conducting Gasparini’s oratorio Atalia in Rome and Versailles with Hemiolia ensemble.
ABOUT TAFELMUSIK
Tafelmusik is a world-renowned period orchestra and choir in the heart of Toronto.
Founded 45 years ago on the pillars of passion, learning, and artistic excellence, Tafelmusik brings a fresh perspective to baroque music and beyond. Historically informed performances of 17th- to 19th-century instrumental and choral music share the stage with exciting multimedia programs, bold new commissions, and intriguing cross-cultural collaborations. The orchestra plays on period instruments, and all performances are illuminated by scholarship. From dynamic live concerts at Jeanne Lamon Hall in Toronto’s historic Trinity-St Paul’s Centre and stunning Koerner Hall, to international tours, award-winning recordings, and inspiring education programs, Tafelmusik is a musical powerhouse with a reputation for thrilling and delighting audiences.
Media contact:
Luisa Trisi, Big Picture Communications
luisa@luisatrisi.com | 427 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M5S 1X7